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Two Bits

Two Bits

You're never too old to believe in a dream. Or too young to make one come true!

199585 minPG-13Midcredits score: 48th percentile of all films
Director
James Foley
Starring
Al Pacino, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Joe Grifasi, Geoff Pierson

It's a hot summer day in 1933 in South Philly, where 12-year old Gennaro lives with his widowed mom and his ailing grandpa, who sits outside holding tight to his last quarter, which he's promised to Gennaro and which Gennaro would like to have to buy a ticket to the plush new movie theater. But grandpa's not ready to pass on the quarter or pass on to his final reward: he has some unfinished business with a woman from his past, and he enlists Gennaro to act as his emissary.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Two Bits?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove does not list Two Bits on any major US streaming service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Two Bits?

Two Bits earns 3 badges, led by Bittersweet and Preferred by Non-US Viewers.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Two Bits worth watching?

Two Bits' Midcredits score is the 48th percentile of all films, from 5K ratings across 4 sources. 46% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

48th percentile

Better received than 48% of films

54th percentile among Comedy51st percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)49th
Approval (how many liked it)46th

61 /100

49th percentile of all films

56th percentile among Comedy53rd percentile among 1990s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.3 — solid but not unanimous.

46% liked it

46th percentile of all films

52nd percentile among Comedy49th percentile among 1990s
46% rated it 7–1054% rated it 1–6

Critics 40% · Audience 38%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 1 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

67th percentile

5K ratings across platforms

63rd percentile among Comedy61st percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 2% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$9.3K
Domestic gross$26K
Worldwide gross$26K

14th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A modest, slow-paced Depression-era drama centered on a boy trying to earn a quarter to go to the movies and his bond with his dying grandfather.

Fans praised

  • Pacino's nuanced performance as a dying grandfather using only hands and eyes
  • Warm, authentic grandfather-grandson relationship that drives the narrative
  • Evocative Depression-era atmosphere and sense of humble community

Detractors panned

  • Kid's selfish quest for movie money feels morally tone-deaf
  • Excruciatingly slow pacing with aimless street roaming
  • Sentimental manipulation and cloyingly mawkish score

What stands out

ActingDivisive78

Pacino praised for restrained, expressive performance; child actor Jerry Barone called authentic by fans, unconvincing by detractors

AtmosphereDivisive75

Immersion in Depression-era South Philadelphia praised for authenticity and detail

Emotional impactDivisive72

Fans call it heartwarming and tear-jerking; detractors find it manipulative and mawkish

CharactersDivisive65

Grandfather written with depth and warmth; boy's single-minded pursuit seen as charming or selfish

DialogueDivisive60

Grandfather-grandson banter praised for wit and life lessons; detractors find it uninteresting

Plot and storyDivisive50

Simple quest for movie money; called engaging and effective by fans, pointless and predictable by detractors

OriginalityDivisive45

Familiar Depression-era coming-of-age formula; some find fresh Italian-American perspective

Pacing30

Brief 84-minute runtime praised by fans; detractors find it boring and slow

Preferred by

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 16 points higher than US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 3 points apart
  • Critics vs users 6 points apart

Watch experience

What is Two Bits like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Moving and bittersweet: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a story that moves you and leaves an ache.

It takes its time, has a few laughs and leaves you bittersweet. Skip it when you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Patience.

What it feels like

Moving and bittersweet.

The answer rests on this: Moods
WarmMelancholicBittersweet
Heaviest: late
Warm humor
Register
WarmSentimental · 8% of filmsSolemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Frame story · 5% of films: A story told inside another — someone is recounting it.
ToneThe film treats its material with genuine affection and gravity, never winking at the audience, and balances warmth with solemnity.
The rideThe film maintains a gentle, nostalgic warmth throughout, but the emotional weight builds toward the grandfather's death in the final act.
StructureThe story is presented as an adult's memory of a single day, giving a framing structure that encapsulates the main narrative.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

The answer rests on this: BittersweetHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves a gentle sadness from the loss of the grandfather, but also a sense of hope and continuation as the boy fulfills his goal and carries his grandfather's legacy forward.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Rebirth
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% (this title) · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Liberation: Breaking free of a confining life (Room).

13% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeA boy's day-long quest to earn a quarter for a movie ticket leads him through encounters with death, forgiveness, and his own maturation, leaving him with a new understanding of life and desire.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfComingof age
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% (this title) · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% (this title) · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Coming of age · 5% of filmsFamily bondsMortality · 2% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores a boy's passage into understanding of death, family responsibility, and the value of desire during a single, formative day.
StanceThe film celebrates the bittersweet passage from childhood into understanding, affirming the value of life lessons and family bonds.

The world

Early 20th centuryUrbanDomesticInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · Carter Burwell
SettingSouth Philadelphia during the Great Depression, a single hot day in 1933
MusicThe score by Carter Burwell underscores the film's emotional journey with gentle, period-appropriate melodies.

Content guide

Is Two Bits okay for kids?

PG-13

Two Bits is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for some traumatic thematic elements” (MPAA). As of October 2, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (33/100) and sexual content at minimal (0/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 1 other country
  • FranceU
Overall
needs 3 or more scored categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Mild
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (1 vote)

Overall standing needs at least three scored categories; this title has 2.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Two Bits have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Two Bits?

Cast

Al Pacino
as Grandpa
Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
as Luisa Spirito
Joe Grifasi
as Uncle Joe
Geoff Pierson
as Dr. Wilson
Patrick Borriello
as Tullio
Andy Romano
as Dr. Bruna
Donna Mitchell
as Mrs. Bruna
Mary Testa
as Housewife
Joey Perillo
as Replacement Ballyhoo Driver
Alec Baldwin
as Narrator

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Two Bits?

Movies like Two Bits include At Close Range (1986), Honkytonk Man (1982) and Big Time Adolescence (2019). Of the 10 closest matches, most are period dramas, and most are coming-of-age films.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

5 of these 10 share its story type: liberation. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Two Bits?

3.8K other films share the rarest tag below, follows: child. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.